Town planning director reports progress on transportation and land‑use actions in Danvers climate plan; MBTA bus route discussions advance

Planning Director Brian Sakelli and the town’s safety and sustainability coordinator updated the Select Board on progress implementing the transportation and land‑use actions in Danvers’ Climate Action, Sustainability, Preservation and Resiliency (CASPR) plan.

Sakelli told the board the town is finishing a transportation needs assessment (survey response rate exceeded project targets) and is about 20–50% complete across the plan’s three main actions: reducing single‑occupant car trips (through transit connections and rail‑trail expansion), prioritizing pedestrian infrastructure and public‑realm improvements, and accelerating electric‑vehicle adoption and charging infrastructure. He cited an ongoing rail‑trail expansion and said the town has installed EV chargers at several municipal sites and is drafting a fuel‑efficient vehicle policy for town fleets.

Sakelli said the town has been in discussions with the MBTA, the state representative and senator and that a proposed route to restore bus service through Danvers is expected to be implemented in February 2026; he said details will be finalized with MBTA partners and announced once ready. Board members asked for a public rollout plan and suggested inviting MBTA officials and the state delegation to a future meeting to brief residents.

Sakelli summarized estimated benefits — improved air quality, reduced vehicle congestion, more walking and safer pedestrian environments — and said next steps include finalizing the needs assessment, prioritizing pedestrian infrastructure projects and continuing coordination with state and regional transit partners.